Golf putter

ABSTRACT

A putter for striking a golf ball includes a cylindrical head containing a plurality of spaced openings in an outer surface thereof intermediate opposite ends of the head. The head has a diameter greater than the diameter of the golf ball. An hollow, elongated shaft is connected with the head. More particularly, a plug including a projection and a threaded portion removably connect the shaft with the head via a threaded connection, whereby when the head intermediate portion strikes the golf ball, a top spin is imparted on the ball and the ball is propelled toward a target.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.12/897,980 filed Oct. 5, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to golfing, and more particularly, to a golfputter.

Putting may be one of the more difficult and important aspects of golfto master and constitutes a substantial portion of golf scores. Thus,golfers generally understand that putting is a skill that should bemastered in order to reduce golf scores and become overall bettergolfers. It is known that golfers should invest substantial time inputting practice to become good putters and golfers. However, mostgolfers simply do not have substantial amounts of time to invest inputting practice. Moreover, most golfers derive satisfaction fromstriking the golf ball because that is generally the most fascinatingaspect of golf for them. Thus, most golfers are not interested inputting practice. Although most golfers are constrained by time or arenot interested in putting practice, it is generally known that mostgolfers desire to improve their putting.

In many competitive games an object is thrown towards a target such thatthe body of the thrower is oriented to face the target when releasingthe object. Moreover, in such games the object is released by thethrower at a point in front of his body. Such games include, but are notlimited to, baseball, darts, horseshoes, pitching pennies and softball.For example, in baseball the pitcher faces home plate and releases theball at a point in front of his body when throwing the baseball towardsthe catcher. Facing the target and releasing the object at a point infront of the body while throwing the object may facilitate hitting thetarget because the thrower is able to concentrate on throwing the objectin the direction of the target. In golf, putting involves gentlyswinging the head of a putter across a golfer's body, from one side toanother, to gently hit a golf ball in the direction of the hole locatedin the green. However, golfers generally do not face the hole andgenerally do not concentrate on gently hitting the golf ball into thehole while putting. Instead, golfers face the golf ball and concentrateon making contact with the golf ball while putting.

Some golfers have been known to develop nervous tension known as theyips while putting. Such golfers are generally not able to develop intogood putters because the nervous tension negatively affects accurateputting. This nervous condition may be evidence that conventional stylesof putting are not natural, or at a minimum are flawed. To counter thenervous tension, such golfers have been known to adopt many differentputting styles. However, the different putting styles have not beenknown to offset the negative effects caused by nervous tension and alsoseem to be flawed due at least to the position of the golf ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a method of putting a golf ball located on a puttinggreen into a hole located in the putting green is provided. The methodincludes grasping a putter with at least one hand of a golfer. Theputter includes a putter shaft, a putter head, and a putter grip. Theputter shaft includes a first end and a second end. The putter head issecurely connected to the second end of the putter shaft and issubstantially perpendicular to the putter shaft. The putter is graspedat the first end of the putter shaft. Moreover, the method includeslocating the putter at a first position such that the putter head ispositioned proximate the golf ball and is about four or five feet fromthe golfer, and the golf ball is located on the putting green away fromthe hole. Furthermore, the method includes executing a backstroke bytranslating the putter head away from the golf ball to locate the putterat a second position, and orienting the shoulders of the golfer to besubstantially perpendicular to the putter shaft in the second position.The putter head is translated a distance away from the golf ball that isdetermined by the force estimated to be required for hitting the ballover the length of the putt. Additionally, the method includestranslating the putter head towards the golf ball along a line of theputt while the shoulders of the golfer face the hole, andinstantaneously striking the golf ball with the putter head to cause thegolf ball to develop a top spin and translate in a direction along aline of the putt towards the hole.

In another aspect, a putter for putting a golf ball located on a puttinggreen into a hole located in the putting green is provided. The putterincludes a shaft including a plurality of shaft segments that are usableto adjust a length of the shaft. The shaft has a first shaft end and asecond shaft end. Moreover, the putter includes a cylindrical headhaving a circular cross section, a first head end, a second head end, anouter surface, and a radial hole extending from the outer surface of thehead to a center of the head. The radial hole is positioned intermediatethe first head end and the second head end, and the shaft second end isinserted into the radial hole to securely connect the shaft second endto the head and to position the head substantially perpendicular to theshaft. The diameter of the putter head is determined such that a centerof the putter head is configured to strike a golf ball at a distanceabove a center of the golf ball to cause the golf ball to develop a topspin and translate to the hole.

In a still further aspect of the invention, the putter includes acylindrical head which contains a plurality of spaced threaded openingsextending inwardly from the outer surface of the head toward the axis ofthe head. The putter also includes an elongated shaft having a first endand a second end. A plug removably connects the shaft with the head.More particularly, the plug includes a projection arranged in one end ofthe shaft and a threaded end portion arranged in one of the spacedthreaded openings in the putter head.

While putting, a golfer grasps the first shaft end such that the putteris located at a first position and the head is positioned proximate thegolf ball about four or five feet from the golfer. The head istranslated away from the golf ball to locate the putter at a secondposition, and the shoulders of the golfer are oriented to besubstantially perpendicular to the shaft. The putter head is translateda distance away from the golf ball that is determined by the forceestimated to be required for hitting the ball over the length of theputt. Moreover, the head is translated from the second position towardsthe golf ball while the shoulders of the golfer face the hole, toinstantaneously strike the golf ball to cause the golf ball to develop atop spin and translate in a direction along a line of the putt towardsthe hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary golf putter;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary golf putter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary connectionbetween a putter shaft and a putter head;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative exemplaryconnection between the putter shaft and the putter head;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternative exemplary golf putter;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of exemplary shaft segmentspositioned to form a joint;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of alternative exemplaryshaft segments positioned to form a joint;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of additional alternativeexemplary shaft segments positioned to form a joint;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a golfer illustrating an exemplary method ofputting;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the golfer illustrating the exemplary methodof putting;

FIG. 11 is another side view of the golfer illustrating the exemplarymethod of putting;

FIG. 12 is yet another side view of the golfer illustrating theexemplary method of putting;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view of the putter head striking the golfball at a contact point;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a golfputter according to the invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the putter of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the putter of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 17 is a top view of the golf putter showing alternativearrangements of the putter shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary golf putter 10. Specifically, theputter 10 includes a putter shaft 12 and a putter head 14. In theexemplary embodiment, the putter shaft 12 includes a first end 16 and asecond end 18. Moreover, the putter shaft 12 is formed of a rigidmaterial such as solid graphite, circular in cross-section, andforty-eight inches in length. However, in other embodiments the puttershaft may be hollow and may be made from any material such as, but notlimited to, steel. The putter shaft 12 also includes a gripping region20 at the first end 16 that extends for about a foot from the first end16 towards the second end 18. The gripping region 20 is for ensuringthat golfers are able to securely grasp the putter shaft 12. The putterhead 14 is a cylinder including a first head end 22, a second head end24, and an outer surface 26.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the golf putter 10 showing a side view of theputter head 14. In the exemplary embodiment the putter head 14 includesa circular cross-section, is steel, and has a distance of four and onequarter inches between the first head end 22 and the second head end 24.It should be understood that the distance between the first head end 22and the second head end 24 corresponds to the diameter of a hole locatedin a golfing green. However, in other embodiments the distance betweenthe first head end 22 and the second head end 24 may be any distancethat facilitates putting as described herein.

The outer surface 26 of the putter head 14 is smooth and may be polishedor buffed to facilitate reducing friction that may develop with grasswhile putting. The diameter of the putter head 14 is two inches. Becausethe putter shaft 12 is forty-eight inches long and the putter headdiameter is two inches, the overall length of the putter 10 is fiftyinches. In other embodiments the diameter of the putter head 14 may beany dimension that facilitates putting as described herein. Although theputter head 14 has a circular cross section in the exemplary embodiment,it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the putter head 14may have any cross section that facilitates putting a golf ball asdescribed herein such as, but not limited to, an elliptical crosssection. Moreover, although the putter head 14 is steel in the exemplaryembodiment, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the head14 may be made from any material such as, but not limited to, graphite,wood, a composite of graphite and wood, a composite of steel and wood,and a composite of steel and graphite.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary connectionbetween the second end 18 of the putter shaft 12 and the putter head 14.In the exemplary embodiment the putter head 14 includes a radial hole 28positioned intermediate the first head end 22 and the second head end24. It should be understood that the radial hole 28 extends radiallyfrom the outer surface 26 toward a center 30 of the putter head 14, andthat the radial hole 28 has a circular cross section. The second end 18includes a connecting member 32 extending longitudinally along and awayfrom the shaft 12 in a direction from the first end 16 towards thesecond end 18. The connecting member 32 has a circular cross section anda diameter corresponding to the diameter of the radial hole 28. Theconnecting member 32 is inserted into the radial hole 28 and is securedtherein by an adhesive to thus securely connect the putter shaft 12 tothe putter head 14. The adhesive may be any adhesive that facilitatessecurely connecting the connecting member 32 to the radial hole 28including, but not limited to, an epoxy resin. It should be understoodthat upon inserting the connecting member 32 into the radial hole 28,the putter head 14 is positioned to be substantially perpendicular tothe putter shaft 12. The diameters of the connecting member 32 and ofthe radial hole 28 may be any size that facilitates ensuring a secureconnection between the putter shaft 12 and the putter head 14.

Although the radial hole 28 extends radially from the outer surface 26toward the center 30 of the putter head 14 in the exemplary embodiment,it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the radial hole 28may be configured to extend any distance into the putter head 14including, but not limited to, diametrically through the head 14.

The components shown in FIG. 4 are similar to the components shown inFIG. 3, as described in more detail below. As such, componentsillustrated in FIG. 4 that are identical to components illustrated inFIG. 3, are identified using the same reference numerals used in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative exemplaryconnection between the second end 18 of the putter shaft 12 and theputter head 14. This alternative exemplary connection between the puttershaft 12 and the putter head 14 is similar to that shown in FIG. 3.However, the connecting member 32 and the radial hole 28 are threadedsuch that the putter shaft 12 and the putter head 14 may be securelyconnected together without an adhesive. The putter shaft 12 and theputter head 14 are connected together by rotating the putter shaft 12while inserting the connecting member 32 into the radial hole 28. As aresult of rotating the putter shaft 12, the threads of the connectingmember 32 engage the threads of the radial hole 28 such that the puttershaft 12 and the putter head 14 are securely connected together. Inother embodiments the putter head 14 may be rotated such that thethreads of the radial hole 28 engage the threads of the connectingmember 32, or both the putter head 14 and the putter shaft 12 may berotated to engage the threads of the connecting member 32 with thethreads of the radial hole 28 to securely connect the putter shaft 12 tothe putter head 14. As a result of securely connecting the putter head14 to the putter shaft 12, the putter head 14 is positioned to besubstantially perpendicular to the putter shaft 12.

The components shown in FIG. 5 are similar to the components shown inFIG. 1, as described in more detail below. As such, componentsillustrated in FIG. 5 that are identical to components illustrated inFIG. 1, are identified using the same reference numerals used in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternative exemplary golf putter 10 thatincludes an adjustable length putter shaft 12. This alternativeexemplary golf putter 10 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1. However,the putter shaft 12 includes a plurality of shaft segments 34 eachadapted to be removably connectable to other shaft segments 34, suchthat the length of the putter shaft 12 may be easily and quicklyadjusted. Specifically, each of the shaft segments 34 is removeablyconnected to another shaft segment 34 at a shaft joint 36. Thus, golfersmay merely add or subtract a desired number of segments 34 when thegolfer decides that changing the shaft length may facilitate improvedputting. Each segment 34 is twelve inches long such that four segments34 are required to yield a putter shaft length of forty-eight inches.However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the segments34 may be any desired length such that any number of segments 34 may beused to adjust the putter shaft 12 to any desired length. For example,the segments 34 may be six inches long such that a golfer may adjust thelength of the shaft 12 from forty-eight inches to forty-two inches byremoving one of the segments 34. It should be appreciated that in otherembodiments each of the segments 34 included in the putter shaft 12 mayhave a different length.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of two exemplary segments 34positioned to form an exemplary shaft joint 36 included in the puttershaft 12. A first segment is designated 34-1 and a second segment isdesignated 34-2. Each of the segments 34-1 and 34-2 includes a body 38,a first segment end 40 and a second segment end 42. The first segmentend 40 includes a fastening member 44 extending longitudinally along andaway from the body 38 in a direction from the second segment end 42towards the first segment end 40. The fastening member 44 has a circularcross section. The second segment end 42 includes a cavity 46 having acircular cross section that is designed to receive the fastening member44. It should be understood that the diameter of the cavity 46corresponds to the diameter of the fastening member 44. The two segments34-1 and 34-2 are removably connected together to form the joint 36 byinserting the fastening member 44 of segment 34-1 into the cavity 46 ofsegment 34-2 and securing the fastening member 44 in the cavity 46 witha friction fit. In this exemplary embodiment, the segments 34-1 and 34-2are hollow. However, in other embodiments the segments 34-1 and 34-2 maybe solid.

The components shown in FIG. 7 are similar to the components shown inFIG. 6, as described in more detail below. As such, componentsillustrated in FIG. 7 that are identical to components illustrated inFIG. 6, are identified using the same reference numerals used in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of two alternative exemplarysegments 34-1 and 34-2 positioned to form an alternative exemplary shaftjoint 36. The alternative exemplary segments 34-1 and 34-2 are similarto those shown in FIG. 6. However, the fastening member 44 and thecavity 46 are threaded such that the segments 34-1 and 34-2 may beremovably connected together. Specifically, the two segments 34-1 and34-2 may be removably connected together to form the joint 36 by turningthe segment 34-1 while inserting the fastening member 44 into the cavity46. As a result of turning the segment 34-1, the threads of thefastening member 44 engage the threads of the cavity 46 such that thesegments 34-1 and 34-2 are removably connected together. In otherembodiments the segment 34-2 may be rotated to engage the threads of thecavity 46 with the threads of the fastening member 44, or both segments34-1 and 34-2 may be rotated to engage the threads of the cavity 46 withthe threads of the fastening member 44. In this alternative embodiment,the segments 34-1 and 34-2 are solid. However, in other embodiments thesegments 34-1 and 34-2 may be hollow.

The components shown in FIG. 8 are similar to the components shown inFIG. 6, as described in more detail below. As such, componentsillustrated in FIG. 8 that are identical to components illustrated inFIG. 6, are identified using the same reference numerals used in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of two additional alternativeexemplary segments 34-1 and 34-2 positioned to form an alternativeexemplary shaft joint 36. The alternative exemplary segments 34-1 and34-2 are similar to those shown in FIG. 6. However, the fastening member44 includes two legs that each have protrusions 48 positioned at aterminal end thereof. Moreover, the cavity 46 also includes protrusions49. The protrusions 48, 49 have a semicircular cross section. The twosegments 34-1 and 34-2 may be removably connected together to form thejoint 36 by pushing the protrusions 48 of the first segment fasteningmember 44 over the protrusions 49 of the second segment cavity 46, suchthat the protrusions 48 of the first segment fastening member 44 arepositioned closer to the first segment end 40 of the second segment 34-2than the protrusions 49 of the second segment cavity 46. The protrusions48 of the first segment fastening member 44 also contact an innersurface of the second segment cavity 46. As a result, the protrusions 48of the first segment fastening member 44 engage the protrusions 49 ofthe second segment cavity 46 such that the segments 34-1 and 34-2 areremovably connected together. The protrusions 48, 49 are made from thesame material as the segments 34-1 and 34-2. Although the exemplaryembodiments described herein use a friction fit, threads, andprotrusions to removably connect segments 34 together at the joints 36,it should be appreciated that in other embodiments any type of fasteningdevice may be used that removably connects the segments 34.

Because the segments 34 are removably connectable, golfers may dismantlethe putter 10 into the plurality of segments 34 and the putter head 14to facilitate transporting the putter on vehicles such as, but notlimited to, airplanes and automobiles. For example, when a golfervisiting Scotland from the United States desires to bring the putter 10to Scotland for golfing, the golfer merely dismantles the putter 10 andincludes the segments 34 and head 14 in luggage which is transported inan airplane.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a golfer 50 illustrating an exemplary method ofputting a golf ball 52 with the putter 10 on a putting green 54 into ahole 56 located in the putter green 54. The golfer 50 begins puttingwith the putter 10 by grasping the putter 10 at the gripping region 20and locating the putter 10 at a first position such that the putter head14 is positioned proximate the golf ball 52 and is about four or fivefeet from the golfer. While positioning the putter, the golfer 50 adoptsa position that offers an unobstructed view of the ball 52 and the hole56 that facilitates establishing a line of sight LS with the hole 56. Inthe exemplary embodiment the golfer 50 grasps the gripping region 20with one hand. However, it should be appreciated that in otherembodiments golfers 50 may use both hands to grasp the gripping region20.

In the exemplary method, the golfer 50 faces the hole 56 and aims theshaft 12 along the line of sight LS between the golf ball 52 and thehole 56. Because the golfer is facing the hole 56 while aiming the shaft12 and locating the putter 10 in the first position, the front 58 of thegolfer is positioned to be substantially perpendicular to the puttershaft 12. Consequently, the shoulders and hips of the golfer are alsopositioned to be substantially perpendicular to the putter shaft 12. Incontrast to conventional putting techniques that require the putter headto be within about six inches of the golfer, in the exemplary methoddescribed herein the putter head 14 is positioned about four or fivefeet from the golfer when putting to facilitate providing improvedputting.

The components shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are similar to thecomponents shown in FIG. 9, as described in more detail below. As such,components illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 that are identical tofeatures illustrated in FIG. 9, are identified using the same referencenumerals used in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the golfer 50 illustrating the exemplarymethod of putting the golf ball 52 where the golfer 50 is grasping thegripping region 20 and the putter 10 is located in the first position.

FIG. 11 is another side view of the golfer 50 illustrating the exemplarymethod of putting the golf ball 52 where the putter is located in asecond position. Specifically, after locating the putter 10 in the firstposition, the golfer 50 continues putting by executing a backstroke bytranslating the putter head 14 on the surface of the green 54 away fromthe golf ball 52 to locate the putter 10 at the second position. Thedirection of translation is indicated by an arrow 58. The putter head istranslated a distance away from the golf ball that is determined by theforce estimated to be required for hitting the ball over the length ofthe putt. It should be understood that while locating the putter 10 atthe second position, the shoulders and hips of the golfer are positionedto be oriented substantially perpendicular to the putter shaft 12. Afterlocating the putter 10 in the second position, the golfer 50 continuesputting by verifying his shoulders and hips are oriented substantiallyperpendicular to the putter 10 in the second position.

FIG. 12 is yet another side view of the golfer 50 illustrating theexemplary method of putting the golf ball 52. Specifically, afterlocating the putter 10 in the second position, the golfer continuesputting by causing the putter 10 to move towards the golf ball 52 andthus translating the putter head towards the golf ball 52 as indicatedby an arrow 60. It should be understood that while the golfer istranslating the putter head 14 towards the hole 56, the shoulders of thegolfer face the hole. The golfer continues translating the putter head14 towards the golf ball 52 and instantaneously strikes the golf ballwith the putter head 14 to cause the golf ball to develop a top spin andtranslate in a direction towards the hole 56. By thus instantaneouslystriking the golf ball 52, the putter head 14 imparts a force to thegolf ball 52 that causes the golf ball 52 to develop a top spin andtranslate towards the hole 56 along the line of sight LS. It should beunderstood that the outer surface 26 of the putter head 14 contacts thegolf ball 52 at a distance above a center of the golf ball 52. The lineof sight LS corresponds to the line of the putt.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view of the putter head 14 striking the golfball 52 at a contact point CP. It should be understood that the contactpoint CP is located a distance D above a center 62 of the golf ball 52.By virtue of striking the golf ball 52 at the contact point CP, theputter head 14 imparts a force to the golf ball 52 that presses the golfball 52 into the green and imparts a top spin to the golf ball 52. Inthe exemplary method the distance D may be any distance that facilitatesimparting a force to the golf ball 52 that presses the golf ball 52 intothe green and causes the golf ball 52 to develop a top spin andtranslate to the hole 56.

Although the golfer executes one backstroke before translating theputter head to strike the golf ball 52 in the exemplary method, itshould be understood that in other methods the golfer may repeatedlyexecute the backstroke and translate the putter head 14 towards the golfball 52 without actually striking the golf ball 52, prior to translatingthe head 14 and striking the golf ball 52.

It should be understood that in other embodiments the putter 10 may beused in a conventional style of putting. Specifically, the putter 10 maybe used to putt golf balls by gently swinging the head 14 across thegolfer's body, such that either the first head end 22 or second head end24 hits the golf ball in the direction of the hole. Because the putter10 may be used in such a conventional style of putting, the putter 10itself as well as a method of using the putter 10, comply with the rulesof golf established by the United States Golf Association.

An alternate embodiment of a putter according to the invention will nowbe described with reference to FIGS. 14-17.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a golf putter 110. Specifically, theputter 110 includes a shaft 112 and a head 114. As shown in FIG. 16, theputter shaft 112 includes a first end 116 and a second end 118. Theputter shaft 112 is hollow and may be made from any suitable materialsuch as steel. The putter shaft 112 also includes a gripping region 120at the first end 116 that extends for about a foot from the first end116 towards the second end 118. The gripping region 120 is for ensuringthat golfers are able to securely grasp the putter shaft 112. The putterhead 114 has a cylindrical configuration including a first end 122, asecond end 124, and an outer surface 126.

The putter head 114 is preferably solid and has a circularcross-section. It is formed of any suitable rigid material such as steelor synthetic plastic. The length of the head between the first end 122and the second end 124 is preferably four and one-quarter inches whichcorresponds to the diameter of a hole located in a golfing green.However, in other embodiments the distance between the first head end122 and the second head end 124 may be any distance that facilitatesputting as described above.

The outer surface 126 of the putter head 114 is smooth and may bepolished or buffed to reduce friction that may develop with the puttingsurface. The diameter of the putter head 114 is preferably two inches.The putter shaft 112 is preferably forty-eight inches long. Thus, theoverall length of the putter 110 is fifty inches. In other embodimentsthe diameter of the putter head 114 may be any dimension thatfacilitates putting. Although the putter head 114 has a circular crosssection in the present embodiment, it will be appreciated that in otherembodiments the putter head 114 may have any cross section thatfacilitates putting a golf ball including, but not limited to, anelliptical cross section. Moreover, the putter head 114 may be made fromany material such as, graphite, wood, a composite of graphite and wood,a composite of steel and wood, and a composite of steel, graphite and/orsynthetic plastic.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the putter head 114 contains a plurality ofspaced openings 128 in the outer surface 126 for receiving the shaft112. The center opening is preferably along the radius of the head, andthe other openings spaced from the center opening are arranged at anangle relative to a radius of the head. The preferred angle β is 15°relative to a radius of the head. A ferrule 130 is mounted on the shaftadjacent to the head.

FIG. 15 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the connectionbetween the second end 118 of the putter shaft 112 and the putter head114. The spaced openings 128 have a circular configuration and areinternally threaded. A plug 132 removably connects the shaft 112 withthe head 114. The plug includes a projection 134 at one end and athreaded portion 136 at the other end. The projection 134 is arranged inthe second end of the shaft 118 and secured therein with an adhesive.The threaded portion 136 is removably connected with the head bytwisting the portion 136 into one of the spaced openings 128 thusconnecting the putter shaft 112 to the putter head 114.

The adhesive may be any adhesive that facilitates securely connectingthe projection 134 to the shaft second end 118, including, but notlimited to, an epoxy resin.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the putter showing the shaft 112 connected withthe central opening so that the shaft 112 is perpendicular to the head114. The shaft can be removed from the central opening and connectedwith one of the end openings 128 so that the shaft 112 is at an angle βrelative to a radius R of the head 114. In an alternate embodiment andin compliance with United States Golf Association and Royal and AncientGolf Club rules, the angle β between a shaft 112 and putter head 114must be 15° relative to a radius R of the head.

In each embodiment, the above described putter and method of putting agolf ball facilitate improving putting by reducing the number of puttsrequired to navigate a golf ball on a green into a hole. Morespecifically, while facing the hole a golfer causes a putter head to betranslated towards a golf ball to instantaneously strike the golf ballat a contact point. By thus striking the golf ball, the putter headimparts a force to the golf ball that presses the golf ball into thegreen and causes the golf ball to develop a top spin and translatetowards the hole. As a result, the number of puts required to navigatethe golf ball into the hole is facilitated to be reduced and golfershave more time to work on other areas of their golf games that they mayenjoy more than putting. Moreover, by virtue of facing the hole whileputting golfers are able to better concentrate on putting the golf ballinto the hole. Furthermore, the negative effects of nervous tension onputting are facilitated to be reduced. Accordingly, golfer performanceand competitiveness are both facilitated to be enhanced.

Because golf scoring emphasizes putting, the above described putter andmethod of putting facilitates quickly achieving better scores based onmore effective putting by allowing golfers to putt better without hoursof practice.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specificembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A putter for striking a golf ball, comprising a.a cylindrical head containing a plurality of spaced openings in an outersurface thereof intermediate opposite ends of said head, said headhaving a diameter greater than the diameter of the golf ball; b. ahollow elongated shaft having a first end and a second end; and c. aplug connecting said shaft with said head, said plug including aprojection at one end and second portion at the other end, wherein saidplug projection is arranged in said shaft, and said plug second portionis removably connected with said head whereby when said headintermediate portion strikes the ball, a top spin is imparted on theball and the ball is propelled toward a target.
 2. A putter as definedin claim 1, wherein at least one of said head openings extends along aradius of said head.
 3. A putter as defined in claim 1, wherein at leastanother of said head openings is arranged at an angle relative to aradius of said head.
 4. A putter as defined in claim 3, wherein saidangle is 15°.
 5. A putter as defined in claim 1, wherein said headopenings are threaded.
 6. A putter as defined in claim 1, wherein anexterior diameter of said plug projection and an exterior diameter ofsaid plug second portion corresponds with an interior diameter of saidshaft second end and an interior diameter of said head openings.
 7. Aputter as defined in claim 1, wherein said plug projection is connectedwithin said shaft via an adhesive.
 8. A putter as defined in claim 1,wherein said plug second portion is threaded.
 9. A putter as defined inclaim 1, and further comprising a ferrule arranged on said shaft secondend adjacent to said head.